West Sussex youth get political in weekend of workshops

Newly elected members of the West Sussex Youth Cabinet and UK Youth Parliament have come together for the first time in Pulborough.

Aspiring politicians took part in numerous workshops at Lodge Hill near Pulborough focusing on social media, representation, public speaking and communications skills.

I think this will allow us to represent and work with our constituents in the most effective, progressive and caring way possible.

Sebastian Maxted

The Youth Cabinet is an elected group of young people aged 11 to 19, who represent their peers and give a voice on issues affecting their lives.

The UK Youth Parliament is a national group of elected young people that provide opportunities for 11 to 18 year-olds to use their voice in creative ways to bring about social change on a national level.

Sebastian Maxted, 14 and attendee at Angmering School, as well as the deputy member of UK Youth Parliament for East Arun, Adur & Worthing, said: “The weekend was a great opportunity to meet a broad range of people, each differing in their views, to come together.

“I really learnt how different people think and work in a team and I think the most important thing I have come away with is how we can all contribute effectively together as a group.

“A very interesting part of the weekend was learning about our constituency and its demographics.

“I think this will allow us to represent and work with our constituents in the most effective, progressive and caring way possible.”

With over 23,000 votes, the 2015 West Sussex Youth Cabinet & UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) elections proved to be most successful to date.

Peter Evans, county council cabinet member for children – Start of Life, said: “It’s important that young people in West Sussex have a voice and the UK Youth Parliament, together with our West Sussex Youth Cabinet, are significant to ensuring they are heard.”

More information can be obtained from the Voice and Engagement Team, part of the Young People’s Service at West Sussex County Council, by contacting claire.denby@westsussex.gov.uk.

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